Minke whales spotted off Lizard Island

Minke whales have been spotted along the reefs at Lizard Island. Between May and August each year families can enjoy watching these enigmatic and graceful creatures migrate north to the stretch of reefs known as the Ribbon Reefs.

Operated by Skysafari Australia, scenic flights from Lizard Island fly approximately 500ft to 1500ft above sea level presenting an amazing aerial perspective of the Great Barrier Reef. Your kids will love seeing a large number and variety of wildlife – everything from whales, sharks, manta rays and turtles to dugong and crocodiles, wallabies, sea eagles and wild boar on the coast.

At the world-famous Cod Hole, at the northern end of Ribbon Reef 10, divers and snorkelers can see the curious Potato Cod. And just metres from the beaches at Lizard Island, families can snorkel next to turtles, parrot fish and swim over 100-year-old clam gardens off Watson’s Bay.

Award winning and a constant favourite in the world’s ‘best’ lists, Lizard Island is located right on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, 240km north of Cairns and 27km off the coast of Cape Flattery. An idyllic island fringed with pristine coral reefs, crystal clear waters and 24 powdery white beaches, Lizard offers the postcard perfect setting for an Australian island family escape.